“Henri, Henri, Henri,” I chanted quietly. “Are you here? Come on, man, I need you. Don’t go silent on me now.”
“Who are you talking to?” Bruno tugged down his headphones. I hadn’t thought he was paying attention.
“No one.” I didn’t know whether I should lie or not. You weren’t super clear on the rules. Bruno stared at me like he knew I was up to something. “Well, it issomeone, but you’d probably think I was crazy.”
“Tell me,” Bruno said with an easygoing smile.
“His name is Henri. He’s my…” How could I describe you in a way that didn’t make me sound like a total lunatic? “He’s my guardian angel. Or demon boyfriend, I’m not really sure.” Bruno laughed. “Sounds whack, doesn’t it?”
He shook his head good-naturedly. “My grandmother…” Bruno made a slitting motion across his throat, “…a chicken before I left, and I’ve been praying ever since. You are notlouco, mi amigo.”
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. With or without you, I had to get a grip.
“Did you eat it afterward?”
“Every bit.” Bruno made the motion of licking his fingers. “Delicioso.”
I should have made a sacrifice as well—not an animal, but I should have burned some incense or a candle. Why didn’t I think of that? I’d basically built you a shrine in my bedroom already—a stack of your favorite movies, my scrying mirror, candles, and a bag of Cheetos. I even kept the shirt I was wearing when you rescued me from Derek and his goons. I hadn’t washed it, just folded it nicely so my mom wouldn’t see the bloodstains.
“Henri,” I called again with an edge of desperation in my voice.
Bruno and I drifted over to the window, where dozens of dancers crowded together watching hopefuls audition in the adjoining room. We’d had a group trial earlier in the day—a warm-up on the barre, some floor work, and relatively easy combos. Mostlyglissades, assembles,andentrechats,which were small jumps where your feet must cross in the air very fast like a hummingbird’s beating wings. The moves weren’t technically difficult, but it was easy to get sloppy when you were tired, especially after dozens of repetitions. I tried not to compare myself to the others, but there was some real talent in the room, and the fact that MCB was recruiting from other countries only proved how selective they could be.
From where we stood, we could see the backs of two men and one woman seated at a long table. Madame had submitted a video of my dancing, along with a headshot and other forms, including a physical and my high school transcript. It looked like they were using the headshots to help identify us. Another woman in a leotard and tights operated the sound system. I was glad they were allowing us music. I’d feel naked without it.
The girl currently auditioning was more than competent. She had amazing control and turnout, but her steps were just a little bit wooden, as were her limbs. One of the things Madame always stressed to me was that transitions mattered.Anyone can make agrand jetélook good. I want you to impress me even as you’re walking across the floor.
I touched my cheek where Madame had kissed me yesterday for good luck. I hoped her magic held.
“Henri,” I grumbled. I couldn’t wait on you any longer. Number ten was exiting the dance studio, which meant there were only a few more minutes before I’d have to perform. I went through my routine in my mind while pantomiming the moves, stretched one more time, and said another prayer. I didn’t pray to God, Henri. I never did. I prayed toyou, and just as twelve began her solo, my prayers were answered.
A businessman in a three-piece suit entered the warm-up room. He was an older man, older than my mom even, but extremely attractive with slicked-back hair and a clean-shaven face. Italian? From his Armani suit to the Rolex on his wrist, he looked like he was dripping in money. His dark eyes scanned the dancers’ faces until they landed on mine.
“Henri?” I said, barely above a whisper.
You crossed the room in a few short strides.
“Sorry I’m late.”
I threw my arms around you, delighted to be able to express my gratitude to you in a human body. You squeezed me back with so much strength and conviction. I wanted this feeling to last forever.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” I almost started crying from relief. And just like that, my confidence was back. Your presence was better than a shot of pure adrenaline. Better than cocaine, even—I’d tried it once with Tyrell when you weren’t around. I wanted to kiss you, but we’d already caused a scene. It probably didn’t help that there was a good thirty years between us, and I was definitely not hugging you like a son would his father.
“I’m about to go in. Any last words of advice?”
“This is your fate, Orlando,” you said with a serious look. Like our previous encounters, you didn’t seem to want to take your eyes off me. It was such a rush to have your undivided attention. Could you make me believe I was good enough to get into MCB? I guessed you already had, whether by using your powers or not.
You leaned in closer and whispered in my ear, tickling my neck with the heat of your breath. “Remember, you’re a tiger. Show your strength in there and make us proud.Confident, confident, confident.”
My entire body flushed with heat and buzzed in excitement.
“I’ll do my best,” I promised. I kissed your cheek, catching a whiff of the man’s yummy aftershave, then swiveled around to find everyone staring at us. Bruno had a sly grin on his face, and the shape of his eyebrows suggested a scandal.
Before anything was said about it, number twelve blasted open the door and ran out of the studio with tears streaming down her face.
“Next,” shouted a gruff voice.
“Good luck,” you said. You squeezed my hand, and I reluctantly let you go. Bruno patted my shoulder on my way in.
